Monday, October 25, 2010, 9:58 AM
[
General]
All season long Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford have been among the talks of free agents the Yankees could possibly pick up. Lee is definitly an option, however I don't see the Yankees pushing too hard for Crawford. Expect him in an Angels uniform in 2011.
The best free agent pitcher after Lee is Bronson Arroryo of the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds, however, are expected to pick him back up. After Arroryo the pitching free agents are thin. Carl Pavano and Jack Westbrook are behind Arroryo and there's NO WAY Pavano would ever see pinstripes again.
The top outfielder after Crawford is Jayson Werth. The Red Sox are one of the teams so far that are targeting Werth, who are trying to nab another outfielder.
One of the top trade options for pitching is Zach Greinke. If they Yankees want Greinke, they would probably have to give up top catching prospect Jesus Montero. Since Montero is believed to be the new Yankees catcher by the 2012 season, I don't see the Yankees giving him up.
Kerry Wood would be a nice option to keep, however he might want more money than the Yankees are willing to offer. If Wood doesn't stay then Phillies bullpen pitcher Jose Contreras is looked at as an option. He would be of some help in the middle innings since Alfredo Aceves' back injury fears will be in mind during the 2011 season.